Ghent City Museum (STAM), Ghent

The Ghent City Museum (STAM) in Ghent offers a comprehensive exploration of the city's rich history, contemporary life, and prospects. Opened on October 9, 2010, the museum's origins trace back to 1833 with the founding of the Oudheidkundig Museum van de Bijloke. In 1928, it was relocated to the Bijloke Abbey, eventually becoming known as the Bijlokemuseum. Today, the museum is housed in the historical buildings of the Bijloke Abbey and Monastery, with a modern entrance designed by city architect Koen Van Nieuwenhuyse.

The Ghent City Museum functions as a heritage forum, blending the original Bijloke collection with artifacts from other collections to create a diverse exhibition. The main circuit serves as a multimedia introduction to Ghent, showcasing the city’s past, present, and future through chronologically structured rooms. It highlights various themes, including a dedicated section on the Ghent Altarpiece.

The museum is renowned for its interactive features, such as a 300 square meters aerial photo of Ghent that visitors can walk on, and software that allows a detailed exploration of the city across four centuries. A glass passerelle provides access to the Bijloke Abbey, where the city’s history is narrated through 300 objects. The “Views on Ghent” multimedia application further enhances the experience by displaying historical and contemporary images of the city.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts temporary exhibits that explore the concept of urbanity through contemporary issues. Recognized for its innovative approach, the Ghent City Museum won the Flemish Museum Prize in 2012. It serves not just as a repository of the past but also as a dynamic gateway to understanding Ghent's cultural heritage and urban evolution.

Why You Should Visit:
The displays, organization, items, and flow through the rooms and the history of Ghent are so well done – no wonder this won the 2012 Flemish Museum Prize.

Tip:
It is well worth supplementing the info boards with the free audio guides, as some of the panels are in Flemish only.
Also, notice the benches in the corridors. Lean back and press the English button on the seats for more commentary.